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Freezing Potatoes

Source: NDSU Extension Service Nutrition Specialists

You can make frozen French fried potatoes at home. The mealy type potato is best. Use mature potatoes you have stored for at least 30 days. Potatoes with a higher sugar content will brown excessively and will be less attractive.

To make frozen French fries, pare and cut potatoes lengthwise into 3/8 inch strips. Rinse in cold water to remove surface starch. Dry thoroughly on a towel.

Fry strips in deep fat or oil at 360 degrees about 4 minutes or until cooked, but not browned. Remove from fat and drain on absorbent paper. Do not overload the French fry basket. If you do, the fat temperature will drop and the potatoes will absorb more fat. Use just enough potatoes to cover the bottom of the basket.

Cool French fried strips to room temperature and pack in cartons or other airtight containers. Seal, freeze and store at 0 degrees or lower. Homemade French fries have a short storage life, so use them within 2 to 3 months.

When you use them, fry in deep fat without thawing. For skillet crisping, brown the French fries in one tablespoon of oil. A 475 F oven may be used to finish cooking and browning.

For hashed browned potatoes, prepare as you would to serve. Brown only to the brown-and-serve stage, cool and package for freezing. Store frozen for one to 2 months. When you want to use them, finish cooking and browning as for regular preparation.

Prepare mashed potatoes as for serving. Cool, then pack in airtight containers and freeze. Slice when ready to use and fry without thawing. You can also make mashed potatoes into mounds. Freeze on a tray and then package. Store for one month. To use, take out as many mounds as you need to fry or put on top of a casserole. They can also be reheated in the microwave.

To stuff baked potatoes, remove the cooked potato from the skin, mash it and add seasonings. Return to the skin, piling lightly. Wrap each potato in airtight packaging and freeze. When ready to use, remove wrap and put directly into a 425 oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After 15 to 20 minutes in the oven, top each potato with grated cheese.

If you have further questions, please contact your county office of the NDSU Extension Service.

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